Oleksandr Usyk might very properly be the most effective heavyweight boxer of the fashionable period.
The Ukrainian pugilist captured a gold medal on the 2012 Summer season Olympics, then turned professional and have become the undisputed cruiserweight champion. “The Cat” ultimately moved as much as heavyweight and as soon as once more unified the titles, defeating Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois, and Tyson Fury alongside the way in which.
That streak consists of his resolution victory over “The Gypsy King” final evening in Riyadh, a rematch from their first go-round again in Might — which Usyk additionally received by resolution. Shortly after the bout, Usyk tried to subject questions on his championship efficiency, however Dubois stormed the cage to demand a do-over.
“I need my revenge! I need my revenge, Usyk!” Dubois shouted because the interviewer begged “Dynamite” to face down. “Properly finished tonight. God bless, however I need my revenge. Let’s get it! Let’s go!”
Usyk defeated Dubois by the use of ninth-round knockout once they first went to struggle again in summer season 2023, however the efficiency was marred by low-blow controversy stemming from a fifth-round knockdown. Dubois insisted he was “cheated” of his victory however by no means acquired the possibility to show it as a result of Usyk moved on to face (and defeat) Fury.
“Mr. Excellency! Your Excellency!” Usyk shouted towards Saudi leisure adviser Turki Alalshikh. “Make me struggle with Daniel Dubois. Thanks a lot. I’m prepared. Subsequent struggle, no drawback. Now I’m going again house for a little bit little bit of relaxation, however I’m prepared.”
Joseph Parker might have one thing to say about that.
Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) will defend the IBF title — which Usyk was compelled to give up previous to his Fury rematch — in opposition to Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) on Feb. 22 in Riyadh. Parker earned his probability to detonate “Dynamite” by scoring back-to-back wins over heavyweight titans Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang.
Defeating Fury for the second time pushed Usyk’s undefeated document to 23-0 with 14 KOs.
